Noida: Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) imposed a penalty of Rs 50 lakh on Ajnara Homes in Sector 16B for a non-functional sewage treatment plant (STP) and discharging untreated sewage. Additionally, a fine of over Rs 4 lakh was imposed on the society for failing to properly manage their solid waste.
The society, which has around 2,300 flats, generates an estimated 1.15 million litres per day (MLD) of sewage. During checks, officials found that untreated sewage from the society was being discharged into a drain. When the drain choked recently, sewage began flowing into the basements of nearby homes. Residents said that the STP had been shut for two years, officials said.
GNIDA CEO NG Ravi Kumar had directed the sewerage department to issue notices to builder societies, seeking details on the installed capacity and proper functioning of their STPs. The societies were also asked whether treated sewage water was being reused for irrigating plants and trees. In cases of non-compliance or lack of response, officials were instructed to carry out on-site inspections and initiate penal action.
Action was taken against Ajnara Homes as part of this enforcement drive.
"We had sought information from the builder regarding the installed capacity and operational status of the STP, the total residential population and reuse of treated sewage. However, no details were provided. Following complaints from residents, a team led by a senior manager of the sewerage department visited the site and found the STP completely non-functional," said GNIDA additional chief executive officer Sunil Kumar Singh.
These violations are in contravention of order from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) as well as Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) norms, officials said. Officials also found that the society had further violated norms by extracting groundwater for irrigation purposes.
In view of these lapses, GNIDA imposed a Rs 50 lakh and directed the builder to deposit the amount within seven working days. The builder has also been instructed to make the STP operational and ensure that treated sewage is reused for irrigation and other purposes, officials added.
Additionally, GNIDA's health department further imposed a fine of Rs 4.32 lakh for failure to ensure proper solid waste management.
GNIDA has urged builder societies to ensure that sewage is treated through STPs and that treated water is reused for irrigation and other purposes. As per NGT reports, Noida uses 86 MLD STP water which is nearly 33% while the remaining 178 MLD is discharged into drains.
Shafaque Alam is a special correspondent at The Times of India in...
Read MoreShafaque Alam is a special correspondent at The Times of India in Noida. He covers traffic, transport, and civic issues of Noida Authority, Greater Noida Authority and Yamuna Authority. He has a keen interest in video journalism, poetry and music.
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